Thermal energy storage bin for a high temperature, particle-based solar power plant

A thermal energy storage (TES) bin, comprising:

• a base;
• a lid disposed above the base;
• and
• a hollow multi-component body extending between the base and the lid, the components of the body including:
• a first hollow structure extending between the base and the lid and defining an interior of the TES bin in conjunction with the base and the lid,
• a second hollow structure extending between the base and the lid and disposed on an exterior of the first hollow structure, and
• a third hollow structure extending between the base and the lid and disposed on an exterior of the second hollow structure,
• wherein the base includes a calcium silicate (Ca—Si) seat with an opening extending therethrough and a metallic funnel disposed on the Ca—Si seat and extending through the opening in the Ca—Si seat.

A thermal energy storage (TES) bin assembly for a high temperature, particle-based solar power plant, the TES bin assembly including:

• a TES bin;
• and
• a feeder assembly connected to the TES bin and providing a path for hot particles to enter an interior of the TES bin,
• wherein the TES bin includes:
• a base;
• a lid separated from the base;
• and
• a hollow multi-component body extending between the base and the lid, the components of the body including:
• a first hollow structure extending between the base and the lid and defining the interior of the TES bin in conjunction with the base and the lid of the TES bin,
• a second hollow structure extending between the base and the lid and disposed on an exterior of the first hollow structure, the first and second hollow structures including a different material from one another, and
• a third hollow structure extending between the base and the lid and disposed on an exterior of the second hollow structure, the third hollow structure having at least one expansion joint, and
• wherein the feeder assembly includes:
• a hopper having an interior with at least one particle filtering medium inside, the at least one particle filtering medium disposed on a holding structure that is removably inserted in the hopper, and
• a weighted door disposed downstream of the hopper.